Questions from Students

How much homework will I have in your class?

That's entirely up to you. I know your time is precious, so I try not to give any more homework than necessary. In return, I expect you to work your hardest during the full time I have you in class (whether that's 30 minutes or 53). There are usually 2-3 weekly assignments that are due every week; the only extra is if you do not finish your work in class. Sometimes students finish work early and get the weekly assignments done as well. You are always welcome to request additional work to help you practice a skill you have not mastered yet.

What is your policy on late work?

Assignments are considered late once I have graded them. If a grade doesn't appear in the gradebook, it's not late yet. I do accept late work after that with the understanding that some points may be lost, and that staying caught up with current assignments takes highest priority, so it may take me some time to get to late work. Special exceptions can be made on a case-by-case basis.

What grade do I have in your class?

The gradebook is kept on SchoolLoop. If an assignment does not show on SchoolLoop, I have not graded it yet.

How do you grade?

I use letter-based grades, but they are different from the A-B-C-D-F grades you are accustomed to. I don't see how the A-F grades stand for anything (aside from F=Fail, and maybe A=Awesome). My custom grading system is as follows:

O: Outstanding; Work exceeded standards, 100%
S: Satisfactory; Work met standards, 80%U: Unsatisfactory; Work did not meet standards, 65%**
I: Incomplete; work was turned in but not done, 0%**
N: Not turned in, 0%**
P: Problem or Plagiarized, 0%
E: Excused, can't be made up, doesn't count for or against

**Students receiving any of these grades will be scheduled for after-school tutorial time

I don't have Internet access at home; how can I do the online work for your class?

One option is using your cell phone, as I know most of you have. Another is to come in at brunch or after school to use one of my computers. If you can work without being disruptive to the other students, you may come in during 7th period (I teach, so I can't promise I'm available for questions). You may also come after 7th; I am often in my room getting some work done. Additionally, there are several computer labs on campus, some of which are in use after school for tutoring or credit recovery; the teachers might be willing to let you use a computer for work. There is also the SJ Public Library on campus.

Will I have to read outside of class?

In an English class, I would say plan on it.

Will I be writing essays?

Again, in an English class, plan on doing a lot of writing. Some of the writing will be essays, but not all.

Is it possible to fail your class?

ANYTHING is possible, but I try not to let students go down that path without a fight.

Why do I need this class anyway?

I need extra help; when are you available?

I have an online tutoring sign up calendar with dates/times I am available, either for just coming in to use my computers or asking me for help.

Questions from Parents

My son/daughter says s/he has no homework for your class; is that true?

Much of the time, probably. I give 2-3 weekly assignments for which I do not give designated in-class work time, but everything else should be done in class provided the students are working the whole time. I don't tend to post it as homework, because I work under the supposition the students finish their work in class.

If my child is failing your class, will you contact me?

I am not able to contact parents of students on a regular basis, along with doing lesson plans and grades. In some special cases, I may be able to as I have time available. Additionally, I believe that high school students are on the road to becoming adults, so I prefer to start addressing problems with them to see if they can solve it independently. It is only when they cannot, or choose not to, that I begin seeking help from parents.

How can I stay caught up on my child's progress?

Register for SchoolLoop. I post the most recent grades in the gradebook there, as well as a number of other teachers. You are also welcome to subscribe to the Remind101 account for your class, to see the updates and reminders sent out to the students (instructions posted here).

My child has a low grade in your class; what can s/he do to raise it?

Students can re-submit almost any previous assignment, either because they neglected to do it in the first place, or to revise for a higher grade, up until the end of the semester. If they have difficulty understanding what needs to be done, they are welcome to contact me for a tutorial.

I would like to speak to you about my child's grade; how can I get in touch with you?

All of the ways to contact me in a professional capacity are posted here; please choose whichever suits you best.

I notice you do a lot of online work; is there any way to find out if my child has turned in an assignment?

Not generally. You're always welcome to ask your child to log in to Google, Kidblog, or wherever the assignment is being hosted and see his/her work. One of the upsides to online work is that it's accessible anywhere with internet, so there is no "I left it somewhere else."

We don't have internet access at home, or our access is very limited; how can my child keep up in your class?

For most assignments, the students are given adequate time to work in class (provided they are present and not off-task). If that is not enough time, students are welcome to come to my classroom during 7th period, provided they do not disrupt the class I am teaching. If students have class during 7th, they can schedule time with me after 7th on a day I will be there working. Also, there are a number of other teachers on campus who also have computers, as well as computer labs. Students can sign up for time with me via my online calendar